Emma Lee Powers Baker, 82, passed away peacefully on February 15 surrounded by her family, at UNC - Chapel Hill Hospitals, in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Born January 26, 1934 in Saint George, S.C. to Crum Conner Powers, Sr. and Allie Lee Blount, she is survived by her son, Howard M. Baker, Jr. of Nashville, N.C.; her daughter, Terrie Lee Compton, of Cumming, G.A.; her sister Zula Powers Wood of Fayetteville, N.C.; and her five grandchildren, Adam Baker, Stephanie Richmond, Christopher Baker, Morgan Sams, and Katelyn Compton.

Emma was preceded by her husband, Howard M Baker, Sr. of Spring Lake, N.C.; her brothers, C.C. Powers, Jr. of Spring Lake, N.C., William Powers of Parkton, N.C., and Henry Powers of Fayetteville, N.C.; and her sister, Charlotte Eddinger of Melbourne, F.L.

Known by most as Emma Lee, she always had a pleasant smile and positive outlook. Emma Lee graduated from Parkton High School and went on to be a licensed cosmetologist. She married her loving husband and lived in many different parts of the country and world as he completed a career in the United States Air Force. After his retirement from the armed forces, Emma Lee moved back to her hometown of Spring Lake, N.C. There she continued to raise her family and started her own catering business. She hosted many wedding and anniversary events for families in the Fayetteville area. Emma Lee was grateful for all the many friends she made during her years in Spring Lake. She continued to travel extensively throughout her life mostly in the company of her sisters. She loved her brothers and sisters in Christ at First Baptist Church of Spring Lake where she was an active member for over 50 years. In her later years she enjoyed the company of her family, especially her grand children. Emma Lee had also been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Red Hat Society. She enjoyed volunteer work with The Friends of the Cancer Center at Fayetteville's Cape Fear Valley Hospital.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 20 at 11:00 am at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, Fayetteville. The Funeral service will be held immediately after the visitation at 12:00 noon. Burial to follow at Lafayette Memorial Park, Fayetteville.

While flowers are appreciated, a memorial donation may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation.